In our increasingly noisy world, finding moments of peace and focus can feel nearly impossible. Whether you’re battling chatty coworkers, noisy neighbors, or the din of a crowded café, ambient noise can quickly disrupt concentration and serenity.
Enter noise-cancelling headphones – your passport to an oasis of calm in even the most chaotic environments. By actively blocking external noise, these clever devices allow you to hear your media or calls without disruption. But with so many models on the market, choosing the right pair can get overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the top 3 noise-cancelling headphones under $250. We’ll be reviewing wireless and wired options from leading brands like Sony, Jabra, and Audio-Technica. Each pair offers exceptional audio quality, effective noise-cancellation, durable construction, and hours of disruption-free listening.
Benefits of Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Before diving into the top models, let’s explore why noise-cancelling headphones are worth the investment. Beyond guarding your sanity in noisy environments, quality headphones offer many perks:
- Enhanced focus and productivity: By blocking external sounds, headphones allow you to immerse yourself in your work without losing focus.
- Less noise-induced stress: Ambient noise triggers stress hormones. Noise-cancelling provides welcome relief.
- Improved hearing health: Noise-cancelling headphones allow you to listen at lower volumes, reducing ear strain.
- Greater music appreciation: Hear your music as the artist intended, without external sounds muddying the experience.
- Travel comfort: Forget noisy plane engines or chatty fellow passengers. It’s just you and your music!
How Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Work?
Noise-cancelling headphones use tiny microphones built into each ear cup to detect low-frequency ambient sounds around you. They generate inverse sound waves that actively cancel out and muffle that outside noise before it reaches your ears.
The result? The outside world fades away, so you only hear the audio coming from your device. It’s an oasis of tranquility on even the most chaotic commute or clattery café.
#1 Budget Winner: Sony WH-CH710N Headphones
If you’re seeking noise-cancelling headphones without the premium price tag, the Sony WH-CH710N should top your list. Despite the budget price point, these stylish over-ear headphones deliver sound and noise cancellation on par with models double the cost. Reviewers praise both the excellent audio and a comfortable fit perfect for long listening sessions.
Key Features
- Superb noise cancellation: While budget-friendly, the adaptive noise cancellation rivals more expensive models.
- Immersive sound: 30mm drivers deliver rich, detailed sound with emphasis on low end.
- Intuitive controls: Effortlessly manage music and calls via onboard buttons and access your phone’s voice assistant.
- All-day power: Get up to 35 hours playtime between charges – perfect for binge listening!
- Sleek style: The foldable design with plush earcups looks as good as it sounds.
The Verdict
For shoppers seeking noise-cancelling headphones without the premium price, the Sony WH-CH710N over-ear model is a phenomenal choice. They deliver excellent noise cancellation alongside immersive audio quality and marathon battery life. And the budget-friendly price makes them easy to recommend!
#2 Top Wireless Earbuds: Jabra Elite 75t
Seeking wireless freedom alongside peace and quiet? Allow us to introduce the Jabra Elite 75t noise-cancelling earbuds! Despite the tiny size, these impressive buds block even loud ambient noise while delivering rich, nuanced audio. The sweatproof design makes them perfect workout companions too.
Key Features
- Pocket-sized noise isolation: Tiny but mighty, these buds significantly muffle external noise.
- Customizable sound: Use the app to tweak the EQ just how you like it.
- Top notch microphone: Ensure crisp call quality even in noisy or windy conditions.
- Water and sweat-resistant: IP55 rating means they’ll survive your toughest workouts.
- All-day power: Get up to 25 hours including the charging case.
The Verdict
The Jabra Elite 75t earbuds prove you don’t need bulky over-ear models to effectively block outside noise. Despite the petite size, these buds isolate audio in even loud environments while serving up rich, customizable sound. With marathon battery life and workout-friendly design, they make an exceptional mobile companion.
#3 Audiophile Pick: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
For audiophiles seeking studio-quality audio alongside peace and quiet, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT over-ear headphones are simply sublime. While effectively blocking ambient noise, these cans serve up sound with exceptional clarity, depth, and attention to detail sure to delight discerning ears. The comfortable fit also makes them perfect for binge listening sessions.
Key Features
- Pristine audio quality: Large 45mm drivers deliver sound with exceptional clarity across frequencies.
- Effective noise isolation: The closed-back design plunges you into an oasis of audio perfection.
- Robust construction: The metal and plastic build can withstand years of regular use.
- Convenient controls: Effortlessly manage music, calls, and device assistants from the onboard buttons.
- Pro-grade design: The collapsible headphones easily fit into DJ bags or laptop cases.
The Verdict
With studio-quality sound, premium comfort, and high-grade noise isolation, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT tick all the right boxes for discerning audiophiles. If you demand the very best in audio fidelity alongside external noise cancellation, these exceptional over-ear headphones belong on your short list. Just be prepared to fight your friends for listening time!
What to Consider When Buying Noise-Cancelling Headphones
While we love the three models above, you may have additional needs and preferences for your ideal headphones. As you evaluate options, keep these factors in mind:
- Audio quality: Make sure any headphones meet your standards for sound fidelity and frequency range.
- Noise cancellation strength: Test models in person in noisy environments when possible.
- Comfort: Over-ear cups that fully enclose your ears are ideal for long listening sessions.
- Battery life: Models that last 15-30 hours between charges offer the most flexibility.
- Controls and connectivity: Convenient music/call controls and Bluetooth connectivity add flexibility.
- Durability: Ensure headphones can withstand sweat, travel, and general wear-and-tear.
- Price: Set a firm budget and find the best value within it.
Embrace Peace and Quiet with Noise-Cancelling Headphones
In our increasingly hectic world, carving out tranquility is no easy feat. But by providing an oasis of calm amid chaotic environments, quality noise-cancelling headphones empower that goal.
The Sony WH-CH710N, Jabra Elite 75t, and Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT reviewed here each offer outstanding noise cancellation without the premium price tags. Any would make an excellent first pair!
So open your wallet, secure your headphones, and soak up the blissful silence. Your focus, peace, and media appreciation will thank you.
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